You still have to consult your dentist during pregnancy. It is beneficial to continuously set a dental appointment while pregnant. Your well-being, as well as your unborn child, will be at risk in case your dental health is neglected.
Undergoing routine dental treatment is safe for pregnant women and their unborn children. However, there are some procedures or medications that have to be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy. The dentist must be aware of your pregnancy for your safety. Riverlands Dental in Richmond serves pregnant patients at a normal basis, check out their site today.
A dental journey of a pregnant woman
Before getting pregnant, it should be a part of your life’s program to visit the dentist. Before pregnancy, it would be best to have a professional cleaning of your teeth and undergo an examination of your gums. This way, your dentist can address any potential dental problem ahead of your pregnancy.
In case you found out that you are pregnant, telling your dentist about it is one of your responsibilities. There are different considerations and adjustments they have to make according to your condition. Routine dental care is still safe for you. However, most dentists like this one in Drummoyne will postpone specific dental procedures like teeth whitening or tooth extractions until the delivery of the baby.
Pregnant women are safe to have elective dental work during the second trimester. On the condition that the pregnant woman experiences dental issues that need immediate dental work, safety precaution is a priority. It must be remembered that the oral health condition of the mother will affect the condition of the baby.
Moreover, you should ask your obstetrician for any precautions or instructions that you have to know before having a dental appointment. There could circumstances that might affect your pregnancy if any dental work proceeds. Additionally, the dentist should have the details of the drugs, medications, or prenatal vitamins you take. From the names up to the dosages, the dentist should be completely aware of it.
Importance of dental check-up during pregnancy
Dental health is also a part of prenatal care. Here are some details of what you will experience during pregnancy that relates to your dental health concern.
- During pregnancy, there will be an increase of hormones inside the body, particularly progesterone and estrogen. These hormones are factors that can increase your risk of having certain oral health issues.
- There will be changes in eating habits. In effect, you may eat food more than the amount you are eating before your pregnancy. In this case, these foods may also cause dental health problems.
- Pregnant women will experience unusual tiredness as well as gums tend to become tender. As a result, brushing and flossing may seem to fall out of your priority. Aside from that, other women experience nausea during brushing or flossing.
In line with the changes above, all of them can affect your dental health. Neglecting these changes and not going to your dental appointment will lead you to develop different dental problems such as the following.
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
- Loose teeth
- Gum diseases (Periodontal disease)
- Pregnancy tumors (most often in the second trimester)
- Tooth erosion
These dental problems will bring risks to the baby as well. For these reasons, it is essential to visit the dentist to keep yourself and the baby healthy. There is no need to worry. Your dentist will know how to do the dental work as long as you have provided all the important details they need about your pregnancy.
Things to do to prevent dental problems during pregnancy
First on the list is to brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste. Do this twice a day. Additionally, also do flossing even once a day only. Doing this regularly will keep your gums and teeth healthy.- In case you are vomiting whenever you brush your teeth, you can use antacids. Antacids are medicines that can neutralize stomach acid. However, you have to consult your obstetrician about it first before taking any over-the-counter medicines. You may also rinse your mouth using a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. In effect, you can reduce the amount of acid inside your mouth.
- A regular visit to the dentist is necessary, whether pregnant or not. During pregnancy, inform your dentist about it.
- Eat healthy foods to keep yourself and the baby healthy. As much as possible, limit eating sweet foods and drinking sugary beverages.
- Do not smoke. It is harmful to you and your baby.
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Food for thoughts
Regardless of how difficult pregnancy stages can be, what you should think is the best for your baby. With this in mind, keeping your dental health in good condition is also keeping your baby healthy.
Your dental appointments are just as important as your appointments with your obstetrician. So, do not miss a single dental appointment. Your dental health can affect the little one inside you so, never skimp on your oral health.
